ethiopia

area
population
capital
head of state
official language
currency
exchange rate

(source: lonely planet)

1,098,000 sq km
60 million
addis ababa
meles zenawi
amharic, tigrinya, oromo
birr
check out oanda.com
for current exchange rates

ithis information comes from a visit to the country in january / february and june 2004. things might have changed since then. these are my personal impressions and it's well possible that other travellers will not share my views.

from nairobi: the emabassy is just behind state house avenue, off valley rd - kenyatta ave. (GPS: S 01*17,185' / E 35*48,582')
visas cost US$ 60.-- (you can pay in shilling), bring one photo
if you arrive before 11:00 you can wait for your visa wich will be ready at noon.
if you arrive between 11:00 - 12:00 you can pick it up at 16:00 the same day

getting in and out

moyale border from northern kenya (check the kenya section for 'road condiditons in northern kenya)
the ethiopian border officials are very polite and correct.
immigration procedures are straight foreward.
customs takes some times as they don't accept the carnet de passage. instead the have to fill i an extensive form that you have to sign on five copies. you will have to declare all electronic devices, including serial numbers. you might not export any items that are not on that list. customs procedures cost one US$
money changers at on the ethiopian side. with some patience you should be able to get quite a decent rate.

metema border, going to sudan:
customs is not in metema but in shehedi, some 30 kilometres before the actual border (GPS: N 12*46.593' / E 36*24.441') formalities quick and easy.
immigration: just before the border bridge on your left side in a hut. very friendly and easy. (you can camp at the immigrationi or customs post in metema. otherwise be careful with changing money and thiefes metema is a typical sleezy border town).

places to stay

addis abeba:
the baro hotel has small comfortable prison cells with shower/toilet in a closet for 50 birr and big comfortable rooms with two beds for 60 birr. they have a cafeteria that serves food, as well, as room service. it's a good, friendly place.
GPS: N 09*01,842' / E 38*45,215'

gondar:
the beleguez pension, just behind the gemp palace, is a great place to stay. small rooms are 50 birr, slightly bigger ones 60 birr. there is no restaurant, but the staff are happy to bring whatever food you order from the outside.
for reservations contact haile, the manager: haile2004@yahoo.com or phone: 09 771 282

other

on two wheels in ethiopia:
ethiopia has a terrible reputation for it's people, especially if you're on two wheels. in some parts of the country people will insult you, show you 'fuck you' fingers and sometimes kids will throw stones. this can be utterly frustrating and gives a wrong impression on ethiopians in general.
if you stop on the road you'll soon be surrounded by people who will eventually ask for money. quite often the asking will turn into demanding which makes road side stops quite unenjoyable.
driving at night is not recommended. there are robberies on the road after dark. the robbers pull a tree across the road to make you stop and are usually armed

sudanese visa: usd 61, two photos, letter of recommendation
GPS: N 09*00,397 / E 038*44,697

swiss embassy: GPS: N 09*00,303' E 38*43,116'